asked the Minister for Health if he will meet a deputation from the Irish Nurses' Organisation to discuss the question of rates of pay for nurses in the employment of health authorities and voluntary hospitals, as the present scales compare unfavourably with those in other professional groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nurses' Rates of Pay.
7.
The question of a revision of the remuneration of nurses employed by health authorities is a matter for those authorities in the first instance and it would be inappropriate for me to meet a deputation from the Irish Nurses' Organisation at this stage to discuss the matter.
I am aware that claims for increased remuneration for nurses have been submitted to the County Managers and that they are considering these claims. No proposals have been submitted for my approval. If proposals are submitted, I shall consider them.
A revision of the salaries payable to nurses employed in Voluntary Hospitals is a matter for the authorities of the hospitals concerned in the first instance.
Surely the Minister is aware of the fact that the Department of Health give local authorities 50 per cent. of the amount which local authorities pay to nurses and that in view of the fact that the Department of Health is committed to the extent of 50 per cent., there are reasonable grounds why the Minister should see a representative deputation from the Irish Nurses' Organisation?
The practice is to allow the county managers to carry on the negotiations, even though the Minister is committed to 50 per cent. of the cost, and then they put their recommendations to the Minister and he considers them.
Would that mean that each county manager would have to submit his own recommendations for increases in pay?
He would unless they were agreed.
Could an arrangement not be made by the Minister for Health whereby the county managers would submit a general scheme for the Minister's sanction which would cover the whole country and meet the wishes of the Irish Nurses' Organisation at the same time?
It is hoped that that will happen.